How to Name a Star After Someone: An Honest Guide

Short answer: You choose a set, type a name, a date and a short message. We pick a real, catalogued star, record your name for it in our register once, and send a certificate. The name is a symbolic gift. It is not an official star name.

What does naming a star actually mean?

We choose a real star that astronomers already know. It has a catalogue number, like HIP or HD, that anyone can look up. Then we record your chosen name next to it in our register. We name each star once. It isn't sold again.

That's it. No catch. The name lives in our register, on the certificate and on the star's page on Find My Star.

Is the name official?

No. Here's the honest bit. Only the International Astronomical Union approves official star names, and it says names sold by companies have no official standing (IAU). Astronomers will keep using the catalogue number. That's true for every star-naming company, not just us.

So why do people still love it? Because the meaning comes from you. You picked a real point of light for someone, gave it their name and tied it to a date that matters. We go into this more in is naming a star real?

How do I name a star, step by step?

1. Pick a set. Start with the Signature Set for a framed certificate in a gift box.
2. Type the name, date and message. A birthday, a wedding day, the day you met. You'll see a live preview as you type.
3. Tell us where they live. We only pick stars that rise above the horizon from that country. You can choose a constellation too, like their star sign.
4. We record, print and send. Each set is checked by hand. Order by 4pm UK time, Monday to Friday, for same-day dispatch from the UK.

What comes in each set?

Set	What you get	From
Gift Folio	Certificate, letter and sky map, in a protective luxury sleeve	£19.99
Gift Folio, framed	Adds a wooden frame	£31.99
Signature Set	Framed certificate, gift box, space info pack	£39.99
Signature & Star Map	Adds an A4 map showing the star among the stars around it	£64.99
Signature & Keepsake	Framed certificate in a black gift box, plus an engraved keychain	£49.99
Ultimate Set	Everything in Signature & Keepsake, plus a silver star-map necklace and framed A4 star map	£164.99

Not sure? Which star gift set should I choose? compares them side by side.

How do they find the star afterwards?

Each certificate has a code. Type it on Find My Star and the star's page opens. It shows where the star sits and real survey photos of it.

Worth knowing before you order: most named stars are faint. You won't see one with your eyes alone. A star app points you to the right spot, and a telescope shows the star itself. Our guide on how to see your named star walks you through it.

Who is it a good gift for?

It suits gifts about a feeling, not a gadget. People choose it for remembering someone, an anniversary, a new baby, a big birthday or Christmas. It may not suit someone who only likes practical things. The gift finder can help.

Still unsure? Read is naming a star real or a scam and the star naming FAQ, or see the wedding star gift.

Questions people ask

Can I name two stars together?

Yes. Pick the twin stars option on your set and add a second name. Both stars go on one certificate.

Does the name expire?

No. There's no subscription. Once it's in our register, it stays.

Can I change the name after ordering?

Contact us quickly. If it hasn't been printed or engraved yet, we can change it.

Can you send it straight to them?

Yes. Put their address at checkout and add a gift message.